Public Statements

Grassley Works to Make Sure Military Votes are Counted

Press Release

Senator Chuck Grassley today joined Senator John Cornyn of Texas and several other senators to introduce the Military Voting Protection Act of 2008. The bill would require the Department of Defense to expedite collection and transportation of absentee ballots of overseas military voters to the correct state election offices.

A 2007 Elections Assistance Commission found that, of the 992,034 military and overseas absentee ballots requests, more than 660,000 never reached election officials. Of those received by election officials, 10 percent were past the deadline and rejected.

"Voting is fundamental to our democratic system," Grassley said. "The men and women of the military serving abroad to protect our freedom and democracy at home must have their votes counted. This legislation will help make sure these patriot's voices are heard."

The bill would direct the Department of Defense to modify the way it collects, transports, and tracks ballots oversees and provide for express mail delivery when practicable for all general elections beginning in November of 2008. The legislation also asks the Department to continue to use modern technology to enhance participation in the electoral process.